Super League coach hypes up future debut for World Cup history-maker

Josh McAllister
Kieran Rush, News Images

Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images.

World Cup history-maker Kieran Rush is nearing his Super League debut according to Huddersfield head coach Ian Watson. 

Rush, 20, scored a penalty goal to register Jamaica’s first-ever points in a World Cup at last year’s tournament in England.

The Dewsbury-born half-back has previously featured for Swinton and Rochdale on loan, but with injuries to starting halves Olly Russell and Theo Fages, Watson admits Rush could make his Huddersfield debut in the near-future.

A product of Huddersfield’s academy, Rush made his international debut in the halves in the World Cup Group C match against Ireland, where he made history in the 48-2 defeat.

He has featured for Huddersfield’s reserves so far in 2023, with a first team debut edging nearer.

“We’ve got young Kieran Rush, who is probably our next closest to an Oliver Russell or Theo Fages-type player,” Watson said.

“At some point, he might get his opportunity to show what he’s about, which I’d be quite excited to see how he goes.

“He’s very kind of methodical in what he does in terms of how he plays the game, very similar to Olly and Theo.”

Kieran Rush “hard-working” says Huddersfield boss

Rush’s boot also assisted Jamaica’s first-ever four-pointer, with Ben Jones-Bishop scoring against New Zealand in the nation’s historic first involvement in a World Cup.

He featured in all three of Jamaica’s group fixtures, having also faced Lebanon at the Leigh Sports Village.

“Kieran played against New Zealand which is no easy feat when you’ve got the kind of size of players that they’ve got running at you on the edge,” Watson said.

“He did pretty well. Physically, he’s good.

“Defensively, he puts his body in the way.

“He doesn’t shy away from anything, and he’s got a great kicking game which everyone saw in the World Cup, whether that’s out of hand or from placed kicking. 

“He’s showing really good signs. 

“He’s a good kid. Everyone who meets him, loves him.

“He’s hard-working and gets his head down.”

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